The national men’s 7s rugby team will begin their quest to capture their seventh North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) championship tomorrow in Mexico.
Guyana will open their campaign against the host and title holders in their first of three Group C matches at 11:28am.
The ruggers of the Green Machine will then tackle their other Group C foes, the Cayman Islands and St. Vincent at 13:28hrs and 16:00hrs respectively.
Trinidad, Jamaica, Curacao, Mexico B, Barbados, Bermuda, BVI and St Lucia are the other teams vying for the championship during the annual two-day fixture.
The top eight teams go through to KO competition on Day 2 (Cup/Plate) while the bottom four teams go through to a round robin Bowl competition.
Once team Guyana is victorious, it paves the way for them to compete at the Hong Kong 7s in four months free of cost which will then serve as the perfect warm up for the NACRA Championships three months later, a qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Winning also ensures that Guyana qualifies for the Pan Am Rugby Championships slated for Canada next July.
The stakes will be as high as the altitude in Mexico.
Before the team departed on Friday, president of the union, Peter Green had some parting words for the six-time champions (2006-2011).
“You are the best that Guyana has to offer and based on the experience and professionalism you possess, you should not have much of a problem except the weather and the altitude. Barring any acts of God I expect you to bring home the title.”
Coach Theodore Henry told the media that his men will be “playing an unorthodox style” since the opposition is familiar with their strategies.
Guyana’s 12-man squad includes: Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Richard Staglon (Vice Captain),Vallon Adams, Kevin McKenzie, Leon Greaves, Avery Corbin, Claudius Butts, Ronald Mayers, Peabo Hamilton, Dwayne Schroeder, Patrick King and Isiejah Allen. King and Allen will be winning their first caps. (Emmerson Campbell)
